Each year, thousands of hopeful high school seniors make the life-altering choice of applying to UNCW. During the last six years, as the number of incoming freshman has increased, UNCW has also experienced a notable rise in the number of international students joining the Seahawk community.

UNCW has students from 42 different in the exchange, degree seeking, and ESL programs.

After Sept. 11, 2001, UNCW, as many American universities, suffered a decline in international students, according to Amy Mabery, coordinator of International Student and Scholar Services. However, since 2006, the numbers have steadily increased.

“We went from 168 [international students] in 2006 to last year, by the time it was all done, we had 306,” said Mabery. “This year we’re not even halfway done and that number is already increasing.”

Although first semester has not yet ended, there are currently 248 international students at UNCW. 

Mabery credits this rise to the increase in staff at the Office of International Programs, as well as the Study Abroad Ambassadors, who share their experience abroad with their peers. OIP focuses on creative marketing efforts to promote studying abroad.

“Doing things creatively is a huge way to get more people to know about study abroad and encourage them to do it,” said Mabery.

Mandy Soo, a degree seeking graduate student originally from Malaysia, recommends UNCW students study abroad.

“It has definitely changed my perspective,” said Soo. “I can safely say that I’m no longer the same person I was seven years ago. I would encourage every student to step out the comfort zone and learn different things”

To further promote studying abroad, UNCW organized the International Education Week, which took place during the week of Nov. 12. The week’s events ranged from academic to social experiences.

Mabery says International Education week is a time to recognize that the world extends far beyond UNCW.

“It’s mostly geared towards students to remind them that [they] can have an education that is much bigger and broader than North Carolina and the United States,” said Mabery.

As more UNCW students choose to participate in the exchange program, more international students are able to experience life as a Seahawk. UNCW can only receive as many exchange students as it sends abroad.

Laura McManus, an exchange student from Swansea University in Wales, credits UNCW’s popularity among international students to the location and climate.

“UNCW is near the coast and Swansea is near the coast as well. It’s like a home from home,” said McManus. “The campus is beautiful as well. I wanted to experience this kind of America, Southern America.”

During her time here, McManus says she has grown more independent and confident, in and out of school.

Exchange students often become more adventurous and independent during their time at UNCW, according to International Programs Coordinator, Elizabeth Betts.

“You see a lot more confidence in them,” said Betts. “Knowing you can move to [another] culture and survive does wonders for students.”

ESL director Maike Walbrecht also sees ESL students evolve and grow more confident in the English language.

“I have seen amazing things, and some of them even start degree programs here. Even in a semester they can learn to communicate more effectively,” said Walbrecht. “It gives them more confidence so they can be more engaged in the community.”

Betts says studying abroad is an excellent academic opportunity and encourages UNCW students to participate and gain a new perspective on life.